Are there dangerous sharks on the beaches of Zanzibar?

NO, there are no dangerous sharks on Zanzibar's main tourist beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe). The zanzibar sharks present are mainly NON-aggressive species: whitetip reef sharks (1.5-2 meters, shy, nocturnal, actively avoid humans), blacktip reef sharks (1-1.5 meters, occasionally visible in shallow lagoons but generally non-aggressive), nurse sharks (2-3 meters, extremely docile, rest on seabed), occasionally oct-sea whale sharks (5-12 meters, completely harmless, filter plankton). Statistics confirm safetyZERO fatal attacks recorded Zanzibar recent decades, Tanzania overall only 1-2 minor incidents per decade (none Zanzibar tourist beaches), compared to 80-100 shark attacks annually WORLDWIDE (mostly Australia, South Africa, Florida USA). Reasons why sharks in zanzibar are not dangerous(1) Shallow waters 1-3 meters tourist beaches where sharks rarely enter (they prefer 5+ meters); (2) Non-aggressive species avoid humans; (3) Reefs where most common sharks are 200+ meters offshore away from bathers. According to International Shark Attack FileTanzania does not appear in significant global shark attack statistics.

Is it safe to dive with sharks in Zanzibar?

Yes, diving with sharks in Zanzibar is completely safe. and exciting experience recommended. Main sites: (1) Mnemba Atoll - circular reef 10-40 meters deep where sharks in zanzibar most common are white tip reef resting caves and tame nurse sharks, guided dive tours 80-120 USD (2 dives, equipment included) with professional operators (One Ocean Dive Center, Spanish Dancer Divers), PADI Open Water certification minimum required; (2) Pemba Island - advanced vertical wall dives 20-40+ meters with greater diversity of sharks including occasional hammerheads, requires advanced technical experience; (3) Chumbe Island - marine reserve with shallow snorkeling/dive 5-10 meters where occasional nurse sharks, guided tours 50-80 USD. Guaranteed safetyExperienced guides with strict protocols, clear instructions, keep respectful distance 3+ meters, calm movements, no touching sharks. Reef and nurse sharks are not aggressive towards humans, predictable and controlled behavior. According to PADIZanzibar Shark Diving, Zanzibar ranked among the safest experiences worldwide with virtually no incidents.

What to do if I see a shark while swimming in Zanzibar?

If you see zanzibar sharks while swimming (extremely rare tourist beaches): (1) Keep calm - DO NOT panic, sudden movements can scare sharks (although they rarely attack), breathe normally; (2) Maintain eye contact - sharks less likely to approach if they know you see them; (3) Move slowly towards the coast - DO NOT swim fast splashing (looks like wounded fish), smooth constant movements towards the beach/boat; (4) Do not turn your back - keep shark in field of view while retreating; (5) Group united - if with partners, stay together (group looks like a major threat). Important realityZanzibar tourist beaches shark sightings are RARE because shallow waters 1-3 meters where most bathers are, sharks prefer waters 5+ meters. If you see a shark it is probably a small blacktip shark (1-1.5 meters) during high tide that will pass quickly with no interest in humans. During diving/snorkelingIf you see a shark it is a POSITIVE experience - observe from a respectful distance of 3+ meters, enjoy a unique moment, follow guide instructions. According to Shark Trust, sharks in zanzibar species (reef, nurse) are curious but not aggressive, generally peaceful encounters end with the shark moving away first.